Horse Guards Parade knife attacker jailed for 30 months – Miss Claire Langevad prosecutes
Two MOD officers were on static patrol in April 2022 when Prashanth Kandhaiah ran at them whilst holding a large kitchen knife. He proceeded to make attempts to stab PC Digpaul and PC Pariso had to use a taser to subdue the defendant. Both officers were recommended by His Honour Judge Hiddleston for commendations because their actions, which prevented anyone present that day from being seriously injured or killed.
Kandhaiah, aged 30, of Thamesmead, southeast London, was jailed for 30 months following trial at Southwark Crown Court. The defendant claimed he was suicidal and was trying to get officers to kill him, telling the jury he went there to get shot. He was cleared of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm but admitted possession of a bladed article. The defendant was not present at court for sentence as he refused to attend via video link from Wandsworth Prison. Defending, his counsel Mr Richard Craven told the court that the defendant believes he is half made of metal and that he is controlled by a wood pigeon.
